Senate passes highway funding

An appropriations bill awaits President Obama’s signature after the Senate approved the measure Sept. 15 to extend highway safety funding six months.

The Senate approved the Federal Aviation Administration and Highway Extensions Act, or H.R. 2887, by a 92-6 vote. It will continue current funding levels that would otherwise expire this month, which for the FAA, represents four more months of appropriations.

The Senate quickly approved the bill, which the House debated only 40 minutes before passing by voice vote Sept. 13.

Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), House transportation committee chairman, noted that a long-term funding bill has been delayed four and half years for the FAA and two years for other transportation agencies.